Disposal of Christmas Trees - January 4, 2024 - Amy Timmerman - Extension Educator
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- [0:00] This is Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension
- [0:03] with this weeks Extension update.
- [0:05] With the Christmas holiday season coming to an end we need
- [0:08] to determine how to dispose of our Christmas trees.
- [0:10] There are several ways to dispose of or recycle your tree.
- [0:14] Of course, before recycling your Christmas
- [0:18] tree, remove all lights, tinsel, and ornaments.
- [0:21] If you place a large plastic bag under the stand before decorating
- [0:24] (and hide it with the tree skirt) you can simply pull the bag up and
- [0:27] carry the tree outside stand and all without
- [0:30] dropping needles all over the house.
- [0:33] Once outside, remove the stand.
- [0:35] Then you can use the tree to feed and support wildlife.
- [0:38] Place the tree in the yard or garden for use by birds and other wildlife.
- [0:42] The branches provide shelter from strong winds and cold.
- [0:46] Food can be supplied by hanging fruit slices, seed cakes,
- [0:50] suet bags, or strings of cranberries or raisins on the tree’s branches.
- [0:54] You can also smear peanut butter and seeds
- [0:57] on pine cones and hang them in the tree.
- [0:59] Or use it as mulch.
- [1:01] Prune off the tree’s branches and place the boughs
- [1:04] over perennials as a winter mulch.
- [1:06] Chip the tree and use the chipped material
- [1:08] as a mulch around trees, shrubs, or in perennial flower beds.
- [1:12] Or utilize a Pick-up and Recycling Program
- [1:16] If you can't use the tree yourself, contact local government offices,
- [1:20] such as the Public Works Department, or your sanitation service.
- [1:23] Most communities have some type of Christmas tree disposal program.
- [1:27] Some have central collection points, others collect the trees at curbside.
- [1:32] Conservation groups may be another option.
- [1:35] Some hunting and fishing groups collect trees and use them to
- [1:38] provide habitat for wildlife.
- [1:40] Many towns have Christmas tree recycling programs where the
- [1:43] trees are often used for mulch.
- [1:46] Do not burn your tree.
- [1:49] Don’t burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.
- [1:53] Dry, evergreen branches literally explode when
- [1:57] burned and could cause a house fire.
- [1:59] Also, burning the tree may contribute to the
- [2:02] buildup of creosote and lead to a flue fire.
- [2:05] This has been Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension